I am trying to decide on breeds for my first little flock. I am interested in Red Star chickens because they are not too big and are reported to lay a lot of eggs and be calm. Also, don't intend to have a rooster or raise my own chicks.
However, I have seen some posts on here indicating that Red Stars and other sex linked chickens lay well in the beginning but peter out faster than other heritage breeds. Is this the case? (This is important, because my wife will want these ladies to live until old age, whether they are laying or not.)
An alternative to Red Stars would be Rhode Island Reds. How are they as far as temperament goes? My grandmother kept those when I was a kid, and I recall them being a little aggressive. Her rooster was downright scary. I remember the hens were mostly very stand-offish. I want friendly chickens. Are my recollections about RIR accurate?
Generally, I would be interested in a breed that lays well with longevity that is friendly and can take the heat and the cold? (I want the perfect backyard chicken breed.)
Thanks,
Neil
However, I have seen some posts on here indicating that Red Stars and other sex linked chickens lay well in the beginning but peter out faster than other heritage breeds. Is this the case? (This is important, because my wife will want these ladies to live until old age, whether they are laying or not.)
An alternative to Red Stars would be Rhode Island Reds. How are they as far as temperament goes? My grandmother kept those when I was a kid, and I recall them being a little aggressive. Her rooster was downright scary. I remember the hens were mostly very stand-offish. I want friendly chickens. Are my recollections about RIR accurate?
Generally, I would be interested in a breed that lays well with longevity that is friendly and can take the heat and the cold? (I want the perfect backyard chicken breed.)
Thanks,
Neil
